Yo-Yo Ma and James Taylor at Tanglewood

On August 11 cellist and Berkshire resident Yo-Yo Ma brought his Bach Project to Tanglewood, performing all six Bach Cello Suites in a single concert. Following the concert's standing ovation, he spoke of his and Tanglewood's shared passion for nurturing young talent, asking the audience if they'd like to hear from a local singer-songwriter. James took the stage and the two joined together in what James called "the only suite he'd ever written: Sweet Baby James."
James and Kim underwrote the concert in memory of composer Andre Previn, who along with Yo-Yo, played at James & Kim's 2001 wedding
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[@thereseember2800]

The beauty of James Taylor is that he treats each song as sacredly as when he’d first composed it. Not all artists do this. Over time, many artists (who’d sung the same song thousands of times in concerts) lose the sacredness of the song & sing it irreverently or blasé, but James never does this, which is such a profound gift. He knows how much the song means to the audience.

[@moonharp]

My husband and I have always said this, and I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to see someone point this out in an elegant and articulate public comment. James framed it himself: "Pay good money to hear Fire and Rain, again and again and again- That's why I'm here." Unlike so many, he has never forgotten. Grace and fidelity. Can't thank you enough for shining a light on this. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@a.m.roshan5756]

That's beautifully stated. So apt for James Taylor

[@geeks4greyson425]

Love James Love Yo I know a young singer-songwriter who has that passion you describe. The Torch is Passed...

[@gipsy6051]

@@moonharp 😘🥀❣️👍

[@chrislindley3847]

Well said, he's a treasure...

[@angelablackthorne3026]

James Taylor wrote this song for his namesake baby nephew, James Richmond Taylor, the son of his older brother Alex and his wife, Brent Taylor. What a baby gift! 💖

[@louismark1242]

Angela Blackthorne ❤️🌹💝

[@cls90]

Love it!

[@Dieselsdog3]

Mr. Taylor is one of the greatest singer/songwriters in history, and Mr. Ma is probably the greatest Cellist of the Modern age. to hear the two of them together is one of the greatest honours of my life.

[@debbieschwartz557]

Check them out with Mark O’Connor and Edgar Meyer on the Appalachian Journey album.

[@terireed3740]

And the instrument that JT started out on was the cello. How apropos was this?

[@lizabethrobison4566]

Two giants

[@susanwozniak6354]

I was there. It was an evening that united all of the people in the audience. I sat with a dying friend, who has since departed this earth. It was privilege to be with her. It was good to see YoYo Ma who was once my neighbor.

[@deanallen9660]

How COOL!!!

[@kevinmccarthy5693]

It must have been a wonderful experience-- but, so sorry about your friend.

[@mialorenzen3538]

So sorry for your loss 😟

[@janetwebster5099]

Wow - that is so interesting to hear that he was a former neighbor and I am glad your now departed friend was able to see this!

[@bosdec]

We also were there that evening to celebrate a family birthday. What a magical night! If I recall, there was as a delay due to parking or something, but everything was worth the wait! I’m sorry to hear about your friend. I myself was in the midst of chemo treatments then, and felt the healing effects of the caring community there that night. I’m sorry for your loss but I’m so glad your friend shared in the joy that night, and shared it with you.

[@ranchstockstray8684]

I have loved JT from my youth and now at 71 it remains the same. He is an American icon and there will not be another sound as his....what a pairing was this! Bravo!!

[@m.a.c.8366]

amen sir to those sentiments. I first heard JT at about 14yo and am 62 today. I relish every opportunity hear JT these days..why...? because his music is relatable...his music is verbally understandable...and most of all his music has heartfelt lyrics that draw in every one who ever turned a radio on...maybe old school here but at least we're true to ourselves and our roots in music ... peace love and R&R, thx...

[@lindamon5101]

His graciously teaching the world how to play well with others harmonically!

[@sharoncell2156]

My love is enduring...way stronger than the physical...Love you my "sweet baby.."

[@sallyknit]

Absolutely the same I too have loved and enjoyed JT for ever BUT having seen Yo Yo Ma at a live concert in UC Davies several years ago I love him too

[@cls90]

Yes! Such an amazing human being that JT 🙏

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

"With ten miles behind me, And ten thousand more to go." Gets me every time. It's been 50 years I've been listening to it, still brings a tear to my eye. The respect that these two great artists have for each other is so beautiful to see. We need this, we need ART more than ever right now.

[@cls90]

AMEN

[@peacetownusa123]

Awe... I am with ya

[@alisonbrett6485]

The version made me sob!

[@jenmorricone4014]

Amidst the heartbreak and chaos of the pandemic, music has the power to make the world beautiful again. Support the arts with a donation if you can. We need them more than ever.

[@TheWriterNW]

Say it again for the people in the back! I've been saying exactly this all over my FB and getting nothing but pushback. It's so sad.

[@debbiemiller1751]

absolutely no disrespect but my current income is $923/month. Finally got healthcare last Oct. and a food card this week. I MYSELF HAVE always been a giver and not a taker! sorry Can't help right now like millions of others.

[@vangcruz4442]

While I have no money to buy food to eat and slowly dying from starvations, music feed my soul as my body digest the few muscle clinging to the bones of my skeleton. Yes, music is life. Give all the money to musicians.

[@Ceeby]

I'm 65, and have sung this song to my Grand chidren when I put them to bed when baby sitting. Thank you James Taylor for this lullaby and also all your songs. I will never forget you 💕💜

[@dianaquick8992]

I'm 62 and can't remember my life without his music I know every word of EVERY SONG...4EVER YOUR JT

[@cameroon5404]

he has a special place in my heart too, and I'm only 19. Just turned 19 today.

[@lesharris8084]

I almost cried when Yo Yo played the cello. James is brilliant. You can never miss the magic when the master plays the cello.

[@elisedeadman8117]

I cried, how could anyone not be moved by this, especially in the disconnection of lockdown.......

[@megibug]

National treasures, both of these incredible men❤️❤️

[@shechaiyah6869]

His voice is untouched, just like before . . . brings up lots tears and years.

[@JustFiddler]

😊

[@deanallen9660]

Aw COOL!!!

[@jachu1433]

Indeed @Shechai Yah, indeed

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

I remember when Sweet Baby James came out. Can it be 50 years? And here we all are. Still brings a tear to my eye, too.

[@Knight14649]

James Taylor’s voice is one of the finest in music ever, period! Thank you JT AND YYM

[@jimquantic]

Interesting too Norris, just you know Taylor would never agree.

[@carstengjelsten1718]

JT’s voice is sincere and very heart felt (greetings from Copenhagen, Denmark🇩🇰)

[@gigibrow9]

I Agree ☝️

[@jeffreyspatzspatz3863]

Sweet sound so calming had the pleasure of seeing James Taylor I felt like one page of my life had been written thanks Jt

[@marycurrin911]

The sweetest

[@brendantannam499]

I can't express the pleasure JT's songs have given me over many decades. It was good to see him again.

[@oceanescada1174]

Amen

[@loisshipp5520]

Me too...one of my favourites ever!!! What we need to listen to during the pandemic!

[@garyengler165]

Not merely a supreme musical, Yo Yo Ma embodies all that is good in humanity.

[@robertballuumm730]

You simply do not see talent like this any more. This music is timeless.

[@BioWheels]

One of the best musicians of our time. Endless and priceless.

[@pkswanable]

This is the America I love.

[@ga6589]

I am sitting here, listening once again to this beautiful song performed by two remarkable musicians, nearly a year after I sat in the Tanglewood audience on that August night. I feel so fortunate to have been there and will treasure the memory always.

[@lauriegreen2992]

How lucky are we, living in the Berkshires to experience these two every summer!

[@dchap29]

It was my great good fortune to be in the audience. Thank you, thank you.

[@hopesprings4155]

Wow! Lucky you!

[@vivimac4121]

What a night that would have been ... I'm quite envious:-)

[@donnakreischer2243]

Lucky! Epic experience!

[@Dindy_lover]

How was that?!

[@bmason7996]

Wow! So fortunate.

[@richardfredrick8838]

JT is such a kind and humble man that even after half a century of performing he mentions that he is not worthy to be on the same stage with Yo-Yo Ma. You can hear his voice quiver as he is clearly nervous to be performing with a man he truly admires. I've seen JT perform live and his humble nature is palpable as he sings and performs. The Pull Over tour was recorded and released on DVD. It was done at the Rosemont Theater just outside Chicago on a July night in 2001. The band played flawlessly and there were no stops or re-starts. They only played the theater for one night so there was no editing or splicing of the best performances. What you see on the DVD is exactly the show I saw that night. A truly professional and class act.

[@m.a.c.8366]

.. simply master will accompany master respect...this tune is perfectly performed...

[@twittertwice]

Sorry James was not nervous...40 years of doing this you dont get nervous

[@jamestaylor]

James still gets nervous, and has talked about it in interviews.

[@davido814]

​@@jamestaylor I've seen James perform live maybe 30 times over the last 3 decades and the gentle vibrato in his voice in the earlier parts of this beautiful classic was unexpected and welcoming. Somehow this song always takes me back.

[@markvanderwoude5155]

James Taylor For those of us who read comments 👍

[@lindagerber2951]

My favorite cellist & one of my favorite voices. I still get the chills when listening. You raise me out of my troubles for a short time...

[@E-Motion32]

I was at this amazing performance. At the time I barely knew who James Taylor was but just thinking about it leaves shivers running down my spine. It was quite the experience!

[@TimXJ]

Endless admiration for two of the greatest musicians in their fields, always experimenting, collaborating, growing and sharing. Wonderful.

[@aubreykrawitz7582]

Down memory lane with two gentle souls painting pictures with music , thanks for sharing

[@Booboonancy]

I have loved James Taylor for 45 years +, yet I’ve never, ever heard him called Jimmy. How sweet it is ...

[@j.d.schultzsr.9215]

James Taylor admits that he does not read music. I once heard him say that he found that the method of learning piano so brutal, that he gave it up after a few weeks. Yo Yo Ma, demonstrates, once again in this video, his well-known celebration of the universality of music. Everyone who missed his performance in the Inauguration Afterglow last week, missed out on a soul-touching experience.

[@margaretblank9351]

"Old friends...old friends...sharing a park bench like book-ends...." (Paul Simon/Art Garfunkel -- same generation). LOVE THIS! Thank you!

[@laurianni]

Margaret Blank I love that song, too. We have been so fortunate to live in the time of these exceptional artists.

[@elisedeadman8117]

So emotive in these disconnected times, thanx I needed a cry to remind me I'm not a robot...

[@patrickhobbs3962]

When great musical talent comes together, it builds bridges between generations and genres until there is only music, pure and universal.

[@JanetWilliams01]

Aw -- that was beautifully performed. And the roar of the crowd had me pulling my earphones out. So appreciative! They know a class act when they see one.

[@carmelasposito4150]

I love that they encourage young people in developing their musical talents.

[@lizabethrobison4566]

JT’s music makes me cry…cry over the beauty of his voice and his words and for my youth, 74 years gone

[@JamesLee-lz5yk]

What an awesome collaboration. This is what music is missing today. TALENT!!!!!

[@mstewart109]

I totally agree...

[@reginapontes5672]

Bingo!

[@alika207]

There are many talented artists out these days. If you are a JT fan, check out Ed Sheeran, for one. The man is amazing! I'd personally love to see the two of them collab.

[@speakertreatz]

there's plenty of talent out there if you look for it

[@semisophisticate63]

JT's concert in Edmonton was one of my favorites. Just him, his band and his wonderfully simple yet complex music. No pyrotechnics. No flash. No multiple costume changes. No intricate choreography. Loved every second of it.

[@2222isabella]

Anyone who wouldn't become emotional while listening to this unique performance doesn't have a heart.

[@elisedeadman8117]

Hands up, guilty, I cried! I grew up in the 70s & with this kind of gentle, warm, thoughtful music, it made me want to go back to being 12 again, when life was less complex & people were more grateful for what they had, not what they didn't have.........

[@cbalmori]

this is what kindness and generosity looks and feels like, people

[@sidilicious11]

My nose is stuffed up tears caused by beauty and sentiment....💜💕and beautiful music🙏🏼

[@cynthiavillyard3278]

You are two of my all-time favorites. I will tell the world everything this means to me if I can ever find the words.

[@tedrowland7800]

I am touched by James Taylor's humility. I know age is making him struggle some to perform, as it does us all. I could feel their passion.

[@terireed3740]

We all have our own opinions and I respect yours but I have to disagree about him struggling to perform. His voice is just as clear now as in my youth to my ears.

[@EnZetta822]

Genius musicians are humbled by their own talent... as are James Taylor and Yo Yo Ma

[@bethwhalley6426]

Absolute chills. We buried my Father in Law yesterday and this was the balm needed this morning. Thank you.

[@womanofsubstance8735]

I absolutely adore Yo-Yo Ma; his ability to play and love every kind of music is phenomenal!

[@wwonka52]

I'm so lucky to live here where they both have homes. I've seen them perform, along with others over the years at Tanglewood. Not taken for granted...

[@audiophile33073]

Wow, 2 of our favorite musicians, on my Dad's birthday, who happens to be partially, eternally staying at Tanglewood! Thank you and miss you Dad.

[@carollancaster2389]

Wow! That’s the most beautiful version I ever heard of that with Yo Yo Ma!

[@mysticskexis7459]

I sang this to my children at night more times than I can possibly count. What a treat to hear these two together.

[@Ira06002]

James Taylor is apart of our human fabric... ...Sweet Baby James.

[@laconja1]

WOW!!! This was last year ? Man the audience went Crazy!!! That was So Moving 😭😭😭

[@ga6589]

I was lucky enough to be in the audience that night, to hear my favorite musicians perform together. It brought tears to my eyes!

[@m.a.c.8366]

thats super cool... has to be a super memory for you...

[@deanallen9660]

I love James - he looks more like Nosferatu every year. People often don't realize he's one of the best guitar players around. Very original. Beautiful sounding 3-D playing.

[@brucemoeller]

The cure for Covid-19 and all that ills you.....James' voice. Love his contribution to us, and the soulful soundtrack of our lives.

[@elisedeadman8117]

U are so right, an uplifting sound in these very disconnected & selfish times ... Will we ever be able to just get outside & relax completely again, I pray so......

[@kittykate52]

So,so glad that a comment can be made here! Thumbs up or the “like” button is not nearly enough to describe the beautiful and heartfelt music of James Taylor. I was so ecstatic that you chose this song to sing. It immediately brought tears to my eyes and the fondest memories. Also, a sadness at times past and a beautiful love lost. Your music has been and will always be a precious gift to the world. 💜 God bless you

[@laurenmariecarney]

So love! James Taylor’s voice and songs and music got me through some tough and lonely times during my late teenage years. Bless you, JT! 🙏✨

[@robinholbrook6576]

I'm 78 now... I feel the same. I used to carry a 33 that James cut in England around with me...long before he was played here in the states... That was in the early 60's... I was a lost soul for a long time. I am a Rock later became my anthem.

[@diphrent4yt]

Yo-Yo Ma. Gorgeous cello accompaniment. I'd only wish for a solo, too.

[@pattibrown8496]

That was beautiful, and yes, it made me cry. James Taylor's voice still sounds fabulous, and hearing Yo Yo Ma play the cello along with James on guitar was something very special.

[@TheCheerieTeacher1225]

My, oh, my, I have not heard this song for more than three decades. This song reminds me of my young and carefree college days, when life was about exploring, dreaming of the future and making memories. We used to have house parties and have James Taylor's songs playing. And to have Yo-yo Ma adding richness to the music makes it even more poignant. I love it! God bless you gentlemen.

[@conniepothier]

What an unbelievable moment. James Taylor and Yo Yo Ma! I have chills and a huge smile on my face.

[@tkconnell]

Sentimentality personified for me... I am a baby boomer who has loved JT's music since my teens. Bittersweet.

[@ScootsFromNewCastle]

James Taylor and Yo-Yo Ma on the same stage would be a dream to watch live

[@kathy1030]

The best description I can think of for this is "precious"

[@carstengjelsten1718]

...and so sincere (❤️ felt)

[@harrytan9035]

I closed my eyes and I could see me cruising on Route 66 going Westbound just before sunset with no other cars on the road... JT's music is transcendental. He transports and elevates me to another world. What a joy to listen to him again.

[@VictorAntonioLive]

Yo-Yo ma is the shit! Great collabo!

[@gaylenmitchell2229]

James taylor is an influence on my life ,he inspired me to purchase a twelve string guitar . I hope he will sing the song I sent him sixteen thousand strong, thanks James .

[@cartnhorse]

James Taylor comes on and says "Young Talent". He only has to SPEAK a few words for anyone to know that this guy has an immortal voice!

[@medivalmusic]

Two profoundly talented musicians. I am so very humbled by their respect for one another.

[@parrotbeaksunday]

National Treasures, both of them. They are so gracious and thrilled by music, all of it and anytime. I have learned so much about collaboration and songwriting from both of these great human beings and artists.

[@paulh569]

Such unassuming and unglamorous artist, even his name is as plain as can be, yet his performance is profoundly moving.

[@bmukherjee2516]

The truth that is James always shines through

[@elainewaller-rose9707]

James Taylor and Stevie Wonder are my favorite singer-songwriters of all time. Both have voices that have aged so well, and hearts that appear to have done the same. In James' case, this is a prime example. And speaking of incredible musicians and human beings, here's a three word definition: Yo Yo Ma. Thanks dear brothers for your beauty.

[@yardsnow]

I was there live witnessing two legends’ collaboration. What a treat! It was a day I’ll remember for a very very long time.

[@jasondecker3437]

Two great musicians side by side! And both genres fit well beautifully.

[@lindaharris1120]

What a gift to come across this just looking for some JT on a Friday night.

[@marilyn1559]

Two of my favorite artists. Saw James Taylor at Tanglewood back in the 70's. They're both a musical treat. Thanks for posting this.

[@janetsabers4965]

Watching this video is amazing two great talented men I saw James Taylor in concert in the 1970s at the Hollywood Bowl I'm from Manhattan Beach California

[@jodineuf]

Being there for this moment is something I will always remember. Two humble titans.

[@louismark1242]

Jodi Neufeld Gimeno 🌹

[@dianna96]

james taylor is one of the best singer songwriter ever.. adore him

[@louismark1242]

diane leroux 🌹

[@papernlace123]

Beautiful performance Gentlemen!!! ♥️

[@marie-paulefournier5659]

Feel fortunate to have seen James Taylor perform at Olympia and Yo Yo Ma at Philharmonie in Paris. You are two wonderful artists and please come back as soon as you can. Je vous admire et vous aime tous les deux. Vive la musique.

[@louismark1242]

Marie-Paule Fournier 🌹

[@keithc.rasmussen6943]

Two of my favorites. I would would have loved being there- but since I wasn’t, couldn’t, won’t ever be , - then this suits me just fine. Thank you for whomever shared this with the rest of us.

[@wendelynanderson9517]

I grew up with our parents taking us to Tanglewood every summer. We were extremely fortunate to attend the concert featuring the Russian cellist Mstislav Rostropovich the day after his close friend, composer Dimitri Shostakovich, passed away. It was an incredibly moving experience. Years later my brother, a classical guitarist, would perform at Tanglewood with the BSO. Once or twice he played concerts featuring Yo-Yo Ma as well.

[@lyndamcardle4123]

Can anyone else see the awe and admiration in the face of Yo-Yo ?

[@61Lindylv]

Two of my absolute favs!!!!!!!!!!!

[@louismark1242]

Lindy Vaughn 🌹

[@22161]

Absolutely beautiful. My god I will bawl like a baby if I am still alive when this precious man dies.

[@boograce6591]

James, I love you and always have. You got me through the 70’s with your songs in my heart. Thank you for all eternity.

[@vanessadolby574]

James Taylor and Yo Yo Ma together--what a wonderful pairing

[@patricemarie2960]

Nothing wrong with celebrating some of the best music around!

[@lyonellaverde3135]

Yo-Yo Ma is an immortal spirit who happens to be a great musician.

[@septembergirl007]

So beautifully done! That was amazing - one of my favorites suites :-) R.I.P. Andre Previn.

[@brucekuehn4031]

Yes, a lot of chances to celebrate Andre Previn here on KZbin. And the old jazz stuff is extra special!

[@dannyman12]

You Sir; are a true gentleman. Thank you for your heartfelt gifts!

[@karenwood1364]

So so moving...overwhelmed by witnessing this, two wonderfully talented people forming a true and loving bond with each other x the whole audience. I have just watched too, the long intimate conversation on f.b. but found here on KZbin where the Taylor family are “ hunkered” ( his wife Kim,s emphasised word , )together in this awful coronavirus time, -and these two pieces of film have uplifted x comforted me hugely, I am privileged to have watched them x felt how beautiful it is to be part of what really is , the human family. As james has said “ how sweet it is to be loved by you”.We are indeed especially in these unique days, all one.

[@Kate9377]

amen, Karen - James and his sweet music have been the soundtrack of my life - and collaboration with Yo-yo Ma? Heaven

[@alika207]

Did you know "How Sweet it Is" was originally a Marvin Gaye hit? Love his version too! Marvin was another one of the greats!

[@WandaRibeiro]

It is always a pleasure to hear this fantastic singer James Taylor and his sweet voice! Thanks, my friend! I'm Wanda, from Rio de Janeiro/Brasil.

[@bostonmainemike]

Every version and every performance I've seen... there is never enough JT

[@donnakreischer2243]

JT is a genius!

[@berylwilliams5618]

Love, love, his music

[@mattwheelervh]

I was very pleased to have been there. Wonderful. One of the best encores I’ve ever seen!

[@susiestokely3811]

YYM is in AWE of JT. Understandable.

[@gaylenmitchell2229]

The chords James Taylor uses are amazing, stirring the soul.thanks James .

[@kerrymullin94]

Just thinking James Taylor is like fine wine he appreciates with age ,trubudor for the ages

[@SKARA09]

I'm 🇫🇷 🇦🇲 I saw James Taylor in Paris (France) often at OLYMPIA Theater. My brother was a great fan. He introduced James T to me. I like his voice a lot, he makes me cry from time to time. Very emotional.

[@katesterling6443]

Voice as sweet as ever! What a great combination of two great artists. Thanks!

[@louismark1242]

Kate Sterling 🌹

[@jeanwalter6889]

So special, so lovely.... I was a studenr at RISD playing your music, James with a vinyl record, loving it so much. I think your skill is even better now! This podcast made me cry. Yo Yo Ma is a master too, when he is a part of any song, it is a glorious intermingling of waves of sound. Thank you both for bringing me such joy tonight.

[@canadeeana]

i love watching, rewatching and rewatching again ... he's amazing, as is yo yo ma ... both geniuses ....